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The CFL announced a new broadcasting deal on Thursday, marking its largest media agreement to date.
Commissioner Stewart Johnston, a former TSN executive, had aimed to secure a fresh TV deal before the 2026 season. On Thursday, he delivered by signing a six-year extension with Bell Media, the parent company of TSN, which will continue as the league’s primary broadcaster. Starting in 2027, streaming service DAZN will exclusively air a Saturday night game each week—roughly one-quarter of the league’s 81-game regular season. In addition, YouTube has been named a Premier Platform partner.
While financial terms were not officially disclosed, a source told The Canadian Press the combined deal is worth about $500 million. The CFL described the partnerships as “the largest media valuation in league history.”
The CFL is currently in the final season of a six-year contract with TSN, which paid an average of $50 million per year. Its American broadcast deal with CBS Sports Network, reportedly worth $1 million annually, also expires after the season. The league is exploring other U.S. options.
“This is about storytelling, and it’s storytelling within the game,” Johnston said. “All three of these partners are best in class. That’s how we will reach new audiences and get them intrigued with the CFL. We think the results are going to be outstanding.”
Johnston emphasized that the agreement goes beyond simply broadcasting games. “We want to be sure we’re delivering for our audience, however they consume, or want to consume or get introduced to, CFL content,” he said. “We’ve seen such success with other sports with behind-the-scenes content, with highlight-driven, widely distributed content, analysis and using creators to help talk up the CFL.”
TSN will air 60 regular-season games, six playoff matches, and the Grey Cup each season, continuing its Thursday and Friday night game broadcasts. The Grey Cup will also be simulcast on CTV and Crave. RDS remains the exclusive French broadcaster, showing all Montreal Alouettes games, playoff contests, and the Grey Cup.
Shawn Redmond, vice-president of Bell Media Sports, called it “an exciting moment for the CFL.” He added that the deal “reinforces Bell Media’s position as the league’s majority broadcast and streaming partner,” offering unparalleled access to the game across Canada.
DAZN Canada will exclusively broadcast Saturday Night Football games throughout the 21-week regular season and a Saturday night playoff game in each of the first two playoff rounds. It will also serve as the official global broadcaster for all CFL games outside Canada and the U.S., including all regular season matches, playoff games, and the Grey Cup.
DAZN is available widely across Canada, with subscription prices ranging from $24.99 to $54.99 per month depending on packages and contract options. Although DAZN recently lost the Canadian rights to the UEFA Champions League, which will now stream on Paramount+ starting in 2027, it is making a significant commitment to the CFL.
Deidra Dionne, head of DAZN Canada, noted her personal connection to the league. “Having grown up as an Albertan with Saskatchewan roots, I’ve witnessed firsthand the proud history and passionate fan bases the CFL has,” she said. “The CFL has built on that legacy through recent innovation and modernization and has solidified its place among Canada’s elite properties.”
Johnston highlighted DAZN’s plans for CFL coverage, stating, “They’re going to mount their production here. This is going to be hiring commentators and panellists and sideline reporters and behind-the-scenes crews and bringing their perspective on sports production to Canada.”
YouTube, an American video platform, will stream live preseason games not covered by Bell Media or DAZN, enhanced CFL combine coverage, and an unscripted All-Access series. Nicole Bell, YouTube Canada’s head, said the platform is “the perfect place for fans, creators, the league and players to come together.” She described the partnership as a way to expand CFL content coast to coast.
Johnston agreed, saying, “This partnership is outstanding, starting with the livestreaming of preseason games not carried by our other two media partners. Leading into incredibly fun events like taking their creators, who are stars, and bringing them into the CFL environment and then creating content together.”
He concluded that the new broadcast deal not only brings in more partners but also elevates the CFL brand on a global stage.